Thinking Space - Mindset

Notes & Quotes

Fixed Mindset - Intelligence is a fixed trait
Growth Mindset - Intelligence is a malleable quality; a potential that can be developed
Goals
- Fixed Mindset - Look smart at all costs
  - Avoid tasks that might show a deficiency
- Growth Mindset - Learn at all costs
Effort
- Fixed Mindset - It should come naturally
  - If hard, that's when they feel dumb
  - Want to stay in their comfort zone
- Growth Mindset - Work hard, effort is key
  - They know that's when they are getting smarter
Setbacks
- Fixed Mindset - Hide mistakes & deficiencies
  - A fixed mindset gives no way to handle difficulty
  - Become defensive - act bored, act out, blame teacher/material
- Growth Mindset - Capitalize on mistakes & confront deficiencies
How transmitted?
- Through intelligence praise instead of process praise
... Yet!
Growth mindset allows students to
- Embrace learning and growth
- Understand the role of effort in creating intelligence/talent
- Maintain resilience in the face of setbacks
This is a continuum, people can slide along it depending on the context/environment
Just exhorting students to try hard is not promoting a growth mindset

Questions

How does this connect with Josh Kaufman's How to learn anything... fast?
How does this overlap with students' grit?
How does this overlap with problem-solving?
Can organizations (schools/districts) have a fixed or growth mindset? Do different national cultures have an affect on mindsets?
How could you "grade" students in a way that promotes a growth mindset?
- Would this challenge students "gifted" in an area or skill to push themselves to greater growth?
Add

Related Resources